Sunday, September 27, 2026 The Fourth Sunday of Creation

 This Sunday is being observed as Orange Shirt Sunday by many churches, in preparation for Truth and Reconciliation Day on Wednesday, September 30th, also known as Orange Shirt Day. 

Hymn          Lord Speak to Me #589VU

Scripture Lessons:       Exodus 17:1-7

                                     Psalm 78 p.792VU

                                     Philippians 2:1-13

Message

Prayer:  Creator, you made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them. You made us as people, as communities, and as families. You intend for us to grow and flourish together. You command us to do good works, to be generous, and to build a good life for all. 

         Some of us wear orange to say that we did not always experience what you want for us, because we were taken away from our families and communities against our will. 

         Some of us wear orange to acknowledge that we are not yet who you intend us to be, and that we have not lived up to your commandments. 

         All of us wear orange to say that Every Child Matters, and that we want to help create a future that values all Indigenous peoples. 

         Our prayers today are not simple expressions of hope for justice, they are our commitment to create your justice on earth. 

We pray ….. to acknowledge the harm caused by residential institutions and to honour all who were taken. 

….. for the end of racial discrimination against Indigenous children

….. for the end of racist colonial systems that continue to harm all Indigenous peoples

….. for the humility to open ourselves to the task before us, and the courage to work together. 

You tell us to build up a good foundation for the future, so that we might “take hold of the life that is really life.” As we wear orange, we commit to the life you intend us to live together. ( a prayer by Sara Stratton, Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator, slightly adapted.) 

Hymn        Blest be the Tie that Binds #602VU

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. If you have reserved a meal from Howick for the Benny’s BBQ Chicken fundraiser please pick it up after the 11:00 service, or stay and eat the meal together. Thank you for your support for this fundraiser for the church. 

We hold in our thoughts and prayers, the family and friends of Jean Niles, following the burial service held for her on Saturday. 

If you have not received a copy of the new newsletter, please let us know if you would like to receive one, by email or printed. 

Next Saturday, October 3rd the Nakonhaka Regional Council will be holding a Celebration of Ministry service at Summerlea United Church on 50th Ave in Lachine. This recognizes retirements and admissions and will also include the ordination of 2 candidates as well, Jessica Gauthier and Marie Silvenie Chery. All welcome. Reception to follow. 

Next Sunday will be Worldwide Communion Sunday and we will be celebrating the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at 9:30 in Ormstown and Howick at 11:00. 

Sunday October 11th will be Thanksgiving Sunday in both churches. St Paul’s will continue its tradition of collecting food for the food bank. Non-perishable food items and seasonal produce or donations by cheque or in cash are all appreciated. 

If you know of someone who would be interested in participating in a Confirmation Class, please have them contact Barbara. We are deciding when to hold the class: fall, winter, or spring.